Lesbian couple accused of faking hate crime

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PARKER, Colo. – A lesbian couple that claimed to be the victims of a hate crime in Parker last year now faces charges of false reporting.

In October 2011, Aimee Whitchurch, 37, and Christel Conklin, 29, told authorities that vandals spray-painted “Kill the Gay” on their garage and left a noose on their doorstep.

In television interviews, both women said they felt the incidents were in retaliation for disputes they were having with their Homeowner’s Association and neighbors.

“Through the investigation and from witness statements, it was determined that allegations of the incident were false,” said Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cocha Hedyen. “Detectives were able to determine that the two women involved were responsible for the words that were spray painted on the garage and the placement of the noose on their own front door.”

Whitchurch faces two counts of Criminal Mischief, one count of Forgery and one count of False Reporting. She was expected to surrender to authorities Thursday afternoon, Heyden said.

Conklin was in custody facing two counts of Criminal Mischief and one count of False Reporting.